When do you start shopping for Christmas gifts? I am one of those people who starts in September… I’ve already got a nice little stash going in my closet for this year!
Whilst I’ll always ask my family and friends first if there’s anything they particularly need or want for a holiday gift, often there isn’t–and I have to get creative.
And whilst a gift set from Lush or a cute Target find isn’t a bad idea, I like to “do good” with my money if possible by supporting small businesses first, especially those run by friends and/or fellow bloggers. So today, I wanted to share a few of my favorite small shops to find holiday gifts for the wonderful women in your life–moms, sisters, friends, whoever.
Small Businesses I Love
- Blair Lamb Design: Screenprinted and embroidered clothes and totes with designs by Blair! Her shop is temporarily closed for her maternity leave right now but reopens on Black Friday (just in time for the holiday season!). I’m wearing one of those shirts right now, in fact, and it is so cute and comfortable!
- Darling Home Co.: Handmade coconut wax candles. The jars are super cute and the scents are amazing! I ordered two from her fall line this year, one as a gift and one for myself. They’re nontoxic and last for ages, pretty much the opposite of your typical cheap scented candle from Target or Bath & Body Works.
- Ames Farm: My plug for a local Minnesota business! They sell beeswax candles (of which I have several) and delicious single-source honey in various sizes and flavors.
- Rose Hill Design Studio: Adorable girly prints, postcards, planners, etc. I have one of her prints in my office and they’d be perfect for a girl’s bedroom too!
- Jonna Jinton Sweden: Photoprints of Swedish landscapes. They are beautiful. We received a large one as a wedding gift that I really need to get framed! It’s getting a place of honor on our dining room wall.
- Ulla Thynell Prints: Whimsical art prints by a Finnish artist. I think they would look perfect in a child’s room and that’s exactly where I plan to hang a few in the future 🙂
- Jenny Blair Kits: Feminine and nature-themed embroidery and sewing kits for the crafty friend or family member in your life. They include everything you need to complete the kit and make a perfect weekend project for cold fall and winter days.
A Couple Other Ideas…
And finally, two other gift ideas to support businesses that are local to you:
- a photography package from a local photographer–who doesn’t love getting dressed up and modeling for the camera?!
- a donation to a local charity, like an animal rescue, research zoo, or nature conservation organization. I generally stick with nonpolitical organizations unless I’m sure of the way someone leans 🙂
I’d love if you’d drop some of your favorite small businesses/shops in the comments! What are some your go-to gifts and where are some of your go-to places to find gifts for the ladies in your life?